by InTrieste
As anticipation builds for the 14th stage of the Giro d’Italia, the town of Cormons played host to an evening that was more than just a race preview—it was a tribute to sport, heritage, and two beloved figures of Friuli Venezia Giulia.
The May 24 stage of the Giro, one of cycling’s most prestigious events, will traverse 186 kilometers from Treviso to Nova Gorica-Gorizia, cutting through the scenic hills of the Italian Collio and Slovenia’s Brda. The presentation at the Teatro Comunale of Cormons underscored the region’s deep connection to cycling and paid homage to two Friulian icons: legendary sports commentator Bruno Pizzul and Enzo Cainero, the visionary behind the region’s long-standing relationship with the race.
The evening came on the heels of Pizzul’s recent passing, turning the event into an emotional moment of remembrance. His legacy, alongside Cainero’s, was celebrated as a defining element of Friuli Venezia Giulia’s sporting culture. Attendees, including former cycling champion Giuseppe Saronni, reflected on their contributions to the sport and the region’s identity on the global stage.
The upcoming stage is expected to be a spectacle, not only for its challenging terrain but also for its symbolic significance. With its route weaving through Friuli’s rolling landscapes and crossing international borders, the race will showcase the unity between Italy and Slovenia, highlighting a region steeped in shared history and tradition.
After a flat stretch through the Venetian and Friulian plains, the riders will face two circuits of a 13.8-kilometer loop connecting Nova Gorica and Gorizia, with an elevation gain of 1,100 meters—an ideal setup for sprinters and group finishes.
The excitement continues the following day with a grueling 15th stage from Fiume Veneto to Asiago. Covering 214 kilometers with a staggering 3,900-meter elevation gain, the mountain stage will be a crucial test for the race’s general classification contenders.
With the region’s famed Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team adding to the celebratory atmosphere, the Giro d’Italia’s arrival in Friuli Venezia Giulia promises to be more than just a sporting event—it will be a testament to the area’s enduring passion for cycling and its place in the sport’s rich history.
Interview: Regional Council President Mauro Bordin; Regional Councillor for Finance Barbara Zilli; Gorizia mayor, Rodolfo Ziberna
